Working with us
PML is a dynamic, exciting and rewarding place to work and we pride ourselves on offering high quality roles in a supportive, friendly and inclusive working environment.
This page will be updated with our latest current vacancies, including work experiences when they are available. We also advertise all vacancies on our social media channels.
Current Vacancies
Earth Observation Scientist
One year fixed term appointment (Maternity cover)
Salary: starting at £36,963
Application Deadline: Friday, December 5, 2025
Renowned internationally for its research excellence supporting a sustainable ocean, Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) has an exciting opportunity for a 1-year scientist position.
It is a crucial time for the ocean with key international drivers being the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the “double decade” of action – The Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, and the Decade of Ecosystem Restoration.
We are looking for an Earth Observation scientist (1-year maternity cover) to work on topics related to phytoplankton primary production, phytoplankton dynamics and biodiversity in our Marine Processes and Observations (MPO) group. This will involve working together with other MPO team members and along partner organisations such as the European Space Agency (ESA) to carry out research on a number of ongoing projects, including PHYTO-CCI, TIME and CAMP. The work will include development of ocean colour algorithms, data production and analyses to address long-term trends in phytoplankton primary production and diversity as well as tipping points in marine ecosystems. There is a possibility of extending the job by an additional year, subject to performance and project requirements.
You can find out more about our company benefits here.
For more information about living and working in Plymouth please click here.
If you have any questions regarding vacancies or other opportunities please email careers@pml.ac.uk.
PML is a Disability Confident employer, and we have recently attained the Investors in Diversity Silver accreditation. We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive culture, where all can succeed based on merit, and will provide any reasonable adjustments required to enable this.
To support staff from all backgrounds, we offer a range of family friendly and inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and staff engagement forums.
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Any new vacancies will be posted here and also on our social media channels such as X/Twitter and Facebook.
Working at PML means you are part of an internationally-renowned charity which makes an essential and meaningful contribution to identifying solutions to the most pressing challenges facing the marine environment.
Across our scientific and operational areas (which include finance, facilities, HR, IT, marketing and communications) we employ people with a wide range of skills and expertise. We recognise that people are key to PML’s success and, as well as offering a package of competitive benefits, we provide a supportive and inclusive environment that will enable you to flourish and develop.
Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion policy available to download here outlines our commitment to promote equity and diversity, providing an environment for you to work and study that is encouraging, inclusive and free from discrimination. Action plans are developed and reviewed through our EDI committee on a regular basis and reported annually to our Board of Trustees.
As part of our commitment to address the underrepresentation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths and Medicine (STEMM) we achieved an institutional Bronze Athena SWAN award through Advance HE. This award recognised PML’s commitment and achievements in understanding and removing barriers to success, and our excellent practices in recruitment, development and promotion for women in underrepresented areas of the charity. We have also developed a Gender Equality Plan that outlines our commitments in more detail. We’ve also been awarded the ‘Investors in Diversity’ Silver Award for our commitment to inclusivity withinin the organisation.
We recognise challenges that can face disabled applicants in the recruitment process, and have in place measures to provide adjustments and support, including our commitment to the “Disability Confident Employer” Scheme. This includes the “Guaranteed Interview Scheme” for candidates who have a disability and meet the essential selection criteria for the role.
Visiting researchers
We welcome interest from visiting researchers who have secured funding to work in the UK, or who have won fellowships, such as a Marie Curie Fellowship, and are looking for a well equipped and vibrant scientific laboratory in which to pursue their research.
If you are interested in joining us to undertake your Marie Curie Fellowship or as a Visiting Researcher, please contact us. We also accept enquiries from those who have not yet secured funding but would like to discuss research opportunities or voluntary placements.
Living and Working in Plymouth
Read the new ‘Living and Working in Plymouth’ brochure that shows why Plymouth and the surrounding area is a fantastic place to live.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
PML’s EDI policy is available to download here.
Read our Annual EDI board report for 2023 here.
Our Gender Equality Plan is available to download here.
You can also access our EDI Committee Operating Objectives here, and our EDI Committee Terms of Reference here.
Employee benefits
We offer a competitive package of benefits which you can find on our employee benefits page.
Contact
For all enquiries please contact: careers@pml.ac.uk
For details about our site and location, please see our contact page.
PML Wins Regional Chamber Business Award for Green Innovation
Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) is thrilled to announce its recognition as a Regional Winner in the prestigious Chamber Business Awards 2024, securing the Green Innovation category for the South West region.
Plymouth Marine Laboratory was proud to win the ‘The Planet Saver’ award at the Devon & Plymouth Chamber Awards 2024.
‘This award recognises organisations with sustainability at the heart of their business. They are fully committed to sustainable best practice and making the world a better and safer place.’
In 2021 we were awarded Environmental Success of the Year at the Plymouth Live Business Awards for our work in reducing our environmental impact. The following year at the Western Morning News Business Awards 2022, we won the Innovation award and were a finalist for the Best Place to Work category.
